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What Is Gastrointestinal Cancer?
Digestive system cancer, also known as Gastrointestinal cancer refers to a group of cancers that affect the digestive system, including cancer of the bowels, gallbladder, liver, stomach, pancreas and oesophagus. To know more about gastrointestinal cancer symptoms, causes, risks and treatment options in India, fix an appointment for a consultation at Manipal Hospital with the best Gastro doctors in Varthur Road, Whitefield, Bangalore.
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract comprises a series of organs critical to digestion, including the oesophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and intestines, which encompass the small and large bowel. These organs work together to process food, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste, but they are also susceptible to various forms of cancer. Gastrointestinal cancer, or cancer of the digestive system, includes cancers such as oesophageal cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, gallbladder cancer, colorectal cancer, and bowel cancer. Each type of cancer possesses challenges related to the gastrointestinal makeup of the digestive system – a location and function that is often already challenging for individuals seeking care for symptoms that frequently present with signs of abdominal pain, weight loss or changes in bowel habit (noting symptoms would depend on which organ presents with symptoms).
Synopsis
- Common Types of Gastrointestinal Cancer
- Gastrointestinal Cancer: Causes, Risks, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
- Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Cancer
- Symptoms by Cancer Type
- Diagnosis of Gastrointestinal Cancer
- Treatment Options for Gastrointestinal Cancer
- Managing Life After a Gastrointestinal Cancer Diagnosis
- Seeking Treatment at Manipal Hospitals
Common Types of Gastrointestinal Cancer
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Bowel Cancer: Also known as colorectal cancer, it can develop anywhere in the small intestine, large intestine, sigmoid colon, rectum or anus. In some cases, it shows up as a polyp. These are small growths that usually build up inside the rectum or colon. In terms of appearance, polyps look like small spots on the lining of the bowel. In some cases, it may encircle the bowel or cause obstruction to the free flow of digested food
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Gallbladder Cancer: The malignant cells develop in the tissue of the gallbladder. People suffering from this cancer are usually diagnosed only when the tumor is too large to remove surgically or when it has spread to other parts of the body.
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Stomach Cancer: In most cases, cancer develops in the cells that line the mucosa of the stomach. Stomach cancer or gastric cancer develops very slowly and can often take years before any symptoms are experienced.
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Liver Cancer: The liver is one of the key organs in our body. Sometimes a person is diagnosed with liver cancer when the liver cells become malignant and cancerous. The liver is also often susceptible to secondary cancer wherein it spreads from another organ such as the rectum or colon.
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Pancreatic Cancer: This form of cancer develops on the lining of the pancreatic duct. Pancreatic cancer can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood or the lymphatic system. If detected earlier, surgery can be performed to remove the malignant tumour. Unfortunately, this is not always possible, as pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed after it has spread to other organs and outlying tissues.
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Oesophageal cancer: This form of cancer develops in the oesophagus when the gland that produces mucus has malignant growth.
Gastrointestinal Cancer: Causes, Risks, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Causes and Risk Factors of Gastrointestinal Cancer
The precise causes of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, which include cancers of the oesophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, colon, rectum, and anus, remain largely unknown. However, several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing these cancers. These include:
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Lifestyle Factors: Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and a diet high in animal fats or poorly preserved, cured, or overly salty foods significantly contribute to GI cancer risk. Obesity is another major factor, as excess body fat can promote inflammation and hormonal changes that foster cancer development.
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Age: The risk of GI cancers increases with advancing age, particularly after 50.
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Chronic Inflammation and Infections: Conditions like chronic pancreatitis (linked to pancreatic cancer) or inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g., Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, linked to colorectal cancer) heighten risk. Infections such as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) are strongly associated with stomach cancer, while hepatitis B or C infections are major risk factors for liver cancer.
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Genetics: A family history of GI cancers or inherited genetic mutations (e.g., Lynch syndrome for colorectal cancer or BRCA mutations for pancreatic cancer) can elevate risk.
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Other Factors: Environmental exposures, such as prolonged contact with certain chemicals, and underlying conditions like gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) for esophageal cancer, also play a role.
While these are general risk factors, specific GI cancers have unique triggers. For example, Barrett’s oesophagus, caused by chronic acid reflux, is a precursor to oesophageal cancer, while cirrhosis is a key risk factor for liver cancer.
Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Cancer
Symptoms of GI cancers vary depending on the type and location of the cancer. Common symptoms across most GI cancers include:
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Bloating or a feeling of fullness
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Loss of appetite
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Nausea and vomiting
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Unintentional weight loss
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Fatigue
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Abdominal pain, tenderness, or discomfort
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Rectal bleeding or bloody stools
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Drastic changes in bowel habits (e.g., diarrhea or constipation)
Symptoms by Cancer Type
Early-stage GI cancers may present mild or no symptoms, making regular screenings critical for early detection.
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Esophageal Cancer: |
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), persistent heartburn, or chest pain. |
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Stomach Cancer: |
Indigestion, stomach pain, or a sensation of fullness after small meals. |
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Colorectal Cancer: |
Changes in bowel habits, such as narrow stools, diarrhoea, constipation, or a feeling of incomplete bowel emptying. |
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Liver Cancer: |
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin/eyes), abdominal swelling, or right-sided abdominal pain. |
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Pancreatic Cancer: |
Mid-back pain, dark urine, light-coloured stools, or new-onset diabetes. |
Diagnosis of Gastrointestinal Cancer
Accurate diagnosis of GI cancers involves a combination of advanced diagnostic tools and techniques tailored to the suspected cancer type. Common diagnostic methods include:
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Endoscopy and Colonoscopy: |
These procedures use a flexible tube with a camera to visualise the digestive tract. Upper endoscopy examines the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum, while colonoscopy inspects the colon and rectum. |
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Imaging Tests: |
CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, and ultrasounds help identify tumours, their size, and potential spread to other areas. |
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Biopsies: |
Tissue samples collected during endoscopy or colonoscopy are analysed to confirm the presence of cancer cells. |
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Blood Markers: |
Tests for specific biomarkers, such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) for colorectal cancer or alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) for liver cancer, aid in diagnosis and monitoring |
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Genetic Testing: |
Identifying genetic mutations (e.g., KRAS for pancreatic cancer or MSI-H for colorectal cancer) can guide diagnosis and treatment planning, especially for hereditary cancers. |
Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for improving outcomes, particularly for aggressive cancers like pancreatic or liver cancer.
Treatment Options for Gastrointestinal Cancer
Treatment for GI cancers depends on the cancer type, stage, location, and the patient’s overall health. Common treatment modalities include:
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Surgery: Often the primary treatment for early-stage cancers. Procedures vary by cancer type:
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Esophageal Cancer: Oesophagectomy (removal of part or all of the oesophagus).
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Stomach Cancer: Gastrectomy (partial or total stomach removal).
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Colorectal Cancer: Colectomy or proctectomy to remove affected portions of the colon or rectum.
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Liver Cancer: Hepatectomy or liver transplant in select cases.
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Pancreatic Cancer: Whipple procedure or distal pancreatectomy for localised tumours.
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Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to kill cancer cells or slow their growth, often combined with surgery or radiation for advanced cancers.
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Radiation Therapy: High-energy beams target cancer cells, commonly used for oesophageal, rectal, or pancreatic cancers.
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Immunotherapy: Boosts the immune system to fight cancer, particularly effective for certain colorectal or liver cancers with specific genetic markers (e.g., MSI-H or PD-L1 expression).
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Targeted Therapies: Drugs targeting specific cancer cell mutations (e.g., HER2 inhibitors for stomach cancer) are increasingly used.
Multidisciplinary care involving oncologists, surgeons, and radiologists ensures personalised treatment plans.
Managing Life After a Gastrointestinal Cancer Diagnosis
A GI cancer diagnosis can significantly impact a patient’s life, requiring comprehensive care beyond treatment. Key aspects of managing life post-diagnosis include:
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Follow-Up and Monitoring: Regular check-ups, imaging, and blood tests are essential to monitor for recurrence or treatment side effects. For example, colorectal cancer patients may need periodic colonoscopies, while liver cancer patients may require AFP testing.
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Nutritional Support: GI cancers and their treatments often affect digestion and appetite. Working with a dietitian to create a balanced diet rich in nutrients, low in processed foods, and tailored to specific needs (e.g., high-calorie for pancreatic cancer patients or low-fibre for colorectal cancer patients) is critical.
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Lifestyle Changes: Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying physically active, can improve outcomes and quality of life.
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Emotional and Psychological Support: A cancer diagnosis can lead to anxiety, depression, or stress. Support groups, counselling, or therapy can help patients and families cope. Connecting with others through cancer support organisations can also provide emotional strength.
Seeking Treatment at Manipal Hospitals
If you are seeking comprehensive gastrointestinal cancer care in Varthur Road, Bangalore, Manipal Hospitals offers advanced detection, diagnosis, and treatment for all types of GI cancers. Our team of experienced oncologists, surgeons, and support staff provides personalised care to ensure the best possible outcomes.
FAQ's
The most common type of gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is colorectal cancer, which affects the colon or rectum. It accounts for the majority of GI cancer cases globally, with risk factors including age, diet, and family history. Early detection through screenings like colonoscopies significantly improves outcomes.
GI cancers are diagnosed using a combination of methods:
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Endoscopy and Colonoscopy: Cameras visualize the digestive tract to identify abnormalities.
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Imaging Tests: CT, MRI, PET scans, or ultrasounds detect tumors and their spread.
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Biopsies: Tissue samples confirm cancer presence.
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Blood Markers: Tests like CEA (for colorectal cancer) or AFP (for liver cancer) aid diagnosis.
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Genetic Testing: Identifies mutations for hereditary cancers.
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Early diagnosis is key for effective treatment.
GI cancer can be cured, especially when detected early. Cure rates depend on the cancer type, stage, and patient health. Early-stage cancers (e.g., stage I colorectal cancer) often have high cure rates with surgery or combined treatments like chemotherapy or radiation. Advanced stages are harder to cure but can be managed to extend life and improve quality. Regular screenings improve chances of successful treatment.
To reduce GI cancer risk, adopt these lifestyle changes:
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Healthy Diet: Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fiber; limit red meat, processed foods, and salty or cured foods.
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Limit Alcohol and Quit Smoking: Excessive alcohol and smoking increase risk, especially for esophageal, stomach, and liver cancers.
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Maintain Healthy Weight: Obesity is a risk factor for multiple GI cancers.
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Stay Active: Regular exercise lowers risk, particularly for colorectal cancer.
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Manage Chronic Conditions: Control conditions like GERD or hepatitis to reduce risk of esophageal or liver cancer.
Some GI cancers can be hereditary. Genetic mutations, such as Lynch syndrome (linked to colorectal cancer) or BRCA mutations (linked to pancreatic cancer), increase risk. A family history of GI cancers may indicate a hereditary predisposition. Genetic testing and counseling can assess risk, and early screenings are recommended for those with a family history to detect cancers sooner.
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